UFC on FUEL TV 9 victory could force big decision for Robbie Peralta

The 27-year-old Californian currently boasts a nine-fight win streak that includes two official UFC wins. A third, which could come over Akira Corassani (10-3 MMA, 1-0 UFC) on Saturday’s UFC on FUEL TV 9 main card at Stockholm’s Ericsson Globe Arena, could mean a shot at elite-level competition in the division. If that happens, “Problems” Peralta (16-3 MMA, 2-0 UFC) might need to consider his current approach to training.

“I try to get my run in during the morning before I go to work,” Peralta told MMAjunkie.com (www.mmajunkie.com). “Then I work from 8 (a.m.) to 4 (p.m.), pick up the kids, drop them off, and go straight to the gym for two or three hours.”

That’s right. Peralta still works full-time as a wastewater operator for a California casino and helps his girlfriend raise two daughters.

“I actually enjoy doing it,” Peralta said. “It’s a good steady job, and it’s a good field to be in just in case something happens in my fighting career. You never know. I can always depend on that job, and I kind of enjoy what I do. It’s not backbreaking work. It’s more mental.

“I enjoy it. But depending how my fighting career goes, if it keeps progressing, I might have to step away and focus more on my fighting career.”

Of course, even with a loaded schedule, Peralta thus far has done a pretty good job in fighting. An accidental headbutt meant a TKO win over Mackens Semerzier was overturned, but he still boasts victories over Mike Lullo and, most recently, Jason Young in an impressive 23-second affair in “Shotgun’s” English backyard.

Peralta said the challenge of playing the bad guy in Corassani’s home country od Sweden doesn’t make his task any different.

“It’s just another fight for me,” Peralta said. “That’s how I look at it. It doesn’t matter where it’s at. The cage is still the same. That’s where we handle business, so it doesn’t matter where we’re at.

“The cage is always the same. You just have to handle business. That’s it.”

It’s going to be tough to beat his recent performance, but Peralta said the success of that win over Young taught him how he needs to approach every fight.

“Just come out and be more aggressive – don’t waste any time,” Peralta said. “Just come out and take a faster pace and put my hands on him.

“I’m just trying to end it quick.”

Victory certainly doesn’t mean a title shot. After all, the UFC’s 145-pound division is loaded with talent, even if current champ Jose Aldo does seem to stand head and shoulders above the crowd. But a win would unquestionably earn Peralta some recognition as a legitimate talent.

Peralta has eyes on the top of the division but insists he’s not trying to rush his way there.

“A couple of more wins, and I feel I can be there for a top contender spot,” Peralta said. “I just have to take it one fight at a time, work my way up and keep winning fights. If I just keep winning, I’ll stay on top.

“I’m just taking it slow. Whoever they give me next, that’s who I face. I’m not trying to rush anything. My time will come. I’m not in a rush.”

But if that time comes sooner than later, Peralta will have a tough choice on his hands. A handful of fighters has found success while also managing a more office-like career, but as the sport continues to progress, the commitment needed to succeed also seems to amplify.

Peralta said he’s not quite ready to walk away from his second profession just yet, but he’s also looking forward to a few weeks of peace after what he hopes is another win.

“I’d like to take a little time off and spend it with the family,” Peralta said. “I spend a lot of time in the gym, and I work a full-time job. So I’m really not with my family as much as I’d like to be. The time I do get off, I spend with them. I’m just trying to look into staying in shape and being ready for the calls.”

So for now, the delicate balancing act remains. It might seem he’s burning the candle at both ends, but the strategy currently seems to be working.

He thanks those around him for pulling it off.

“I’ve come a long way,” Peralta said. “I have to thank my coaches and my team for pushing me. I’m just trying to stay focused.

“I have to thank my family, too, for all of their support – my girlfriend, especially. She supports me a lot.”

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